Recently returned from a fascinating trip to Monterey County ~ taking in the awe-inspiring beauty of Route 1 and the Big Sur coastline.
Carmel Courtyard © Alice Joyce
A room with a fireplace and ocean views in Carmel pretty well guarantees relaxation! It’s a quaint town. Easy to kick back and revel in great meals, once you’ve chosen from the countless restaurants in town and nearby.
Hahn Wine Tasting © Alice Joyce
Inland, traveling south from Salinas, the Hahn Winery featured prominently on my itinerary.
Tasting Pinot Noir, a high point. As is the site itself, literally, on Foothill Road, where the Hahn tasting room’s terrace offers a truly incredible view of The Pinnacles National Monument across the valley floor.
The Pinnacles Monument © Alice Joyce
Should you be touring Monterey County, you must experience the unique wine country along River Road, stopping by to taste at the Hahn vineyard Estate in the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation.
The Monterey area is steeped in the magic of writer John Steinbeck’s magnificent imagery, of fertile farms and waves crashing against the Pacific Ocean’s rocky outcrops.
I had been planning to hike Point Lobos and The Pinnacles since moving to California.
Point Lobos © Alice Joyce
At last, the dream was realized. What spectacular trails and scenery.
Bixby Bridge ~ Big Sur © Alice Joyce
Continuing the drive, heading North to Big Sur and a stop to take in the classic vista of Bixby Bridge and the jaw-dropping road that follows the sea, hugging the rough terrain.
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